Lucky Break (14 page)

A smile spread across Kade’s masculine face. “Are you asking me on a date, sweetheart?”

Sidney’s cheeks flushed with heat. “Yeah…I guess I am.”

Rowan walked beside her as they browsed the craft store. They’d already been here for about thirty minutes, but Sidney couldn’t find exactly what she needed.

“So what are we looking for again?” Rowan asked as she fingered a piece of blue fabric. Sidney eyed it, but it wasn’t right, either.

“I can’t explain other than that I’ll know it when I see it. It needs to be perfect.”

Rowan’s eyes crinkled.

“I know it’s silly, but Kade’s opening means a lot to him. My bow isn’t going to make or break it and it’s only going to be cut anyway. But”—Sidney shrugged—“I’d like it to be special. Something that reminds me of him.” She just didn’t know what that was yet.

Rowan’s features softened and a small frown tilted her lips. “You two are so lucky to have each other.”

Sidney stepped closer to her friend, worried at the sad edge to her voice. “What do you mean? You have us too, Freckles.”

“It’s not the same and you know it. You guys have always had something special, and I love seeing you explore it now, but I’ve always felt on the outside looking in, in some ways—”

“What ways?” Sidney interrupted, but Rowan held up her hand.

“It’s okay. Honestly. I love you guys and I know you love me too. It’s just…” Her eyes didn’t meet Sidney’s as she finished. “I guess I’d like to share that with a man; the friendship and the love. It’s special.” Rowan switched her weight to her other foot. “I know I said it wasn’t a big deal and it’s not…but it did hurt sometimes. Not because of you guys. I guess…like you said you were jealous about the fishing. A part of me was jealous about your relationship. You two really have an extraordinary bond, but I really do understand it. I just want something that’s mine.”

Too many emotions hit Sidney at once to process them: happiness because she knew Rowan was right—she was so very lucky to have Kade. Even though what they had now was temporary, it would still always be a part of her.

The second was sympathy. Rowan deserved everything her heart desired and more. Sidney wanted to see her find it.

She grabbed Rowan’s hand. “You’re the best woman any guy could ask for. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for someday.”

Rowan waved her free hand as though she thought Sidney was being foolish. “Blah. Sorry about that. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today.”

“Any thoughts on when the B and B will happen?” They started to walk again.

“I’m saving money. Mom and Dad left all of us a little bit when they passed. The boys gave me the house, since they’d all moved away. I’m going to work for Kade a little bit and put some money aside. Then I’m thinking of trying to get a loan. If I can make it work, it would be perfect.”

Sidney shook her head. “No, it
will
be perfect. You’ll get there, Freckles. I know it.”

Rowan stopped and pulled Sidney into a hug. “Thank you. I think I needed to hear that.”

That’s when Sidney saw it over Rowan’s shoulder. The fabric was perfect. It was Kade.

“Oh my God!” When Rowan let her go she reached for the material. Her mind was already running wild on what she could do to it—how to make it even more amazing than it already was.

“That’s it. That’s the one,” Rowan said, voicing what Sidney could only think. “Now, let’s get you home so you can prepare for your date tonight.”

Sidney smiled. She wanted nothing more than to have a special night with Kade.

Chapter Nine

While Sidney went shopping, Kade went fishing. Even though he loved it, it always made him think about the old man.

“What are you doing hanging out with those two girls all the time, Kade?”

“How many girlfriends you have, boy?”

“Sometimes you have to show them who has the upper hand…that’s all.”

The muscles in his body tightened the way they always did when he thought about the bastard. He hated the man. Hated him for what he’d done and hated himself for never doing anything to stop it.

Kade pulled his fishing line out of the water. He was here to clear his head, not complicate things further.

When he and Sidney had talked this morning before breakfast, it had all seemed so simple. Jump in and explore this attraction, have a good time, and say good-bye. But then he thought of the pride he felt when she drove that truck. The need that surged through him when he touched her, or when she asked him on the date. And that made him worry things could so quickly fall out of the easy category.

When it came to Sidney, he could never tame his emotions the way he thought he should.

“I had a feeling I’d find you out here. I see you still fish when you need to think.” Rowan stepped up beside him.

“Wha’cha doing here, Freckles? I thought you two were shopping.” Kade hoped she wouldn’t bring up the subject, but knowing Rowan, she couldn’t leave it be.

“We shopped till we dropped and now Sidney’s getting ready for tonight, so I thought I could come find you. And of course to make you talk about the things you’re trying to avoid right now.”

Kade set his fishing pole down and chuckled at Rowan. “You like giving me a hard time, don’t you?”

“It’s my job. Don’t worry, it’s not just you. I do the same thing with Sidney.”

Kade settled in against a tree. Rowan followed him over. “You’re a good friend to both of us.”

“Eh. I do my best.”

“I’m serious, Freckles.”

It took her a few seconds to reply. “I know you are. So how’re you doing? With everything, I mean?”

This time it was Kade who weighed his answer before continuing. “It’s good to have her back. Not just her being here, but to see that so many things about her are the same. It’ll be hard to let her go, but I’ll handle it. It’s the way things have to be.”

“You guys can try the long distance thing…”

But they both knew that wouldn’t work. Not when her life was there and his here. It could never last. “It’s better this way, Freckles. We’ll enjoy our time together and then I’ll tell her good-bye.”

“Liar.” Rowan cocked her eyebrow at him, daring him to argue with her.

“You’re wrong on this one.” Kade began to put his supplies away.

“Have you really ever been able to tell Sidney good-bye?”

He slammed the lid down on his tackle box. “I never had the chance. But I’m grown up now, Rowan. I know what I’m doing. Why are we going through this again?”

Rowan sighed. “I don’t know, Kade. I guess I need to mind my own business, but I can tell what you guys have, and I hate to see you throw it away again. It’s not every day a person finds someone who does what you and Sidney do for each other.”

He wanted nothing less than to have this conversation with her, but the inflection in her voice spoke of how important it was. “And what’s that?”

“I don’t know…someone you want to share your life with. You know more about each other than I know about anyone in my life. You lean on each other when you don’t realize you’re doing it. You gravitate to her and her to you. It’s…it’s really beautiful, Kade.”

Her words stopped him mid-cleanup. He’d thought about it before—the way Sidney magnified everything. How well they knew each other and the ways she’d been there for him, but hearing someone else say it was like someone knocking sense into him. As though he were underwater, swimming and swimming toward the surface that never got closer, until suddenly he broke through.

Sidney
was
all those things to him. No matter what, she always had been.

And he was in love with her.

How could he not be when she was everything Rowan just said?

But it still didn’t change a damn thing. He still wasn’t her dream. That waited for her thousands of miles away, and she deserved to achieve it. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it all.

Kade laid his hand on Rowan’s shoulder so she knew he got it, but that it was still the end of their conversation. “I better run. Want me to walk you to your car?”

Shaking her head at his avoidance, she said, “Sure thing.”

Kade and Rowan headed back to the small, gravel turn-out where the people parked when they came down here to fish. At her car, he gave her a hug good-bye before heading to his truck. Just as he climbed in she called out, “Kade!”

He turned, shielding the sun from his eyes as he looked at her. “Don’t do anything I would do!”

He laughed. “Isn’t it supposed to be don’t do anything you
wouldn’t
do?”

“Not when it comes to me!” He shook his head, knowing she was giving him a hard time. Rowan got into less trouble than he or Sidney ever had. Kade smiled at her before getting in his truck. Ready to get to Sidney.

Once back at Aunt Mae’s little house, Kade took a shower and got dressed for the movies. They’d already had their ice cream after the driving lesson so now it was time to fulfill part two of his promise.

About thirty minutes before dusk, he headed next door for Sidney. He was eager to spend the evening with her—for the chance to kiss her plump lips and hold her close to him. As hard as it was, he pushed his revelation from earlier to the back burner. This was their time, and he wouldn’t spoil it.

Kade didn’t have the chance to knock on the front door before she pulled it open. Looked like his Peaches was just as eager as he was. “Mmm, you look sexy.” She had on a short jean skirt with all kinds of beads and rhinestones on it. Her shirt slipped off her shoulder—if he was being honest, it looked like she cut it that way. Matching stones were peppered all over the shirt as well.

Sexy as hell and much different than anything else he saw people in Shamrock Falls wearing. Another sign that proved she didn’t fit here.

Ignoring that thought, Kade leaned forward and slid his hand behind her neck and in her hair. He loved touching her like that. Sidney moved easily toward him and let his lips find hers.

“You ready?” he asked when they pulled away.

“Absolutely. Do we even know what’s playing?” She closed the door behind her.

“Nope. Does it matter?”

She looked over at him and winked. “Nope.”

Christ he loved this woman.

They spent most of the drive quiet, and he wondered if she was nervous. Kade reached over and put his hand on her leg and she turned her head, giving him a quick smile.

“Kade Mitchell and Sidney Williams! Look at you two together. Talk about a blast from the past,” Barbara Conner said to them as Kade paid for the movie. “Are you back in town for good?” She snapped her gum as she spoke. Barb used to be the secretary in their office at school. She had to be in her forties, but he had a feeling she didn’t want to let go of those teen years. Even back then she’d dressed young for her age, and the woman chewed gum like it was her religion.

Kade leaned back and let Sidney do the talking. “Hey, Barb, good to see you. I’m only here for a visit. Heading home to LA soon.” There was no excitement in her voice. Did she not want to go? No. That was wishful thinking.

“Oh…I just figured with you both coming back at the same time and all…” Barb let her words hang in the air.

“Just a coincidence,” Sidney added.

Barb blew a bubble. Time for them to get out of there. “Thanks.” Kade grabbed the change and drove to find a parking spot.

“Back?” He asked at the same time she said, “In the back.” Kade snickered. They always used to sit in the rear when they came as kids.

Once he pulled into a spot, they got out to buy popcorn and drinks. Sidney looped her arm through his as they walked and he couldn’t stop thinking about how right it felt. How he knew this woman belonged at his side.

“Oh my God! Kade and Sidney!” Amanda Baker came over and gave them both a hug. She was their age and was one who hadn’t left Shamrock Falls. “Look at you guys! This is fantastic to have you back. How was Hollywood for you two? I’ve seen you in commercials, Sidney. Did you like it there, Kade?” He fought to keep up with her questions like he always did. Amanda loved to talk and did it at about ninety miles per hour.

Once he processed what she said, the words sank in. Sidney suddenly started to pull away from him, but he held her there. He wasn’t letting her run right now. “I’ve been in Seattle. Sidney’s the star. Not me.”

If anything he felt her stiffen more. Again she tried to nonchalantly pull away, but he held her. He’d obviously said something wrong, but damned if he knew what it was.

“Oh.” Amanda looked at where he and Sidney were joined. A million more questions showed in her eyes, but she settled on, “Do you know anyone famous, Sidney?”

Peaches laughed it off, but her words were stilted when she replied. “Not really. It’s on my to-do list though.” The words were meant to sound light, but they were painful for her. He heard it in the tenseness of her tone.

“Oh…” Amanda said again. “Still, it’s so cool that you went to Hollywood! I mean, I’ve seen you on TV before. And now you and Kade are back. You’re going to make our little town famous.” With that she waved good-bye to them and was on her way.

Someone else approached them before they hit the concession stand and two people on their way back to the truck.

“You okay?” he asked when they settled into the backseat. The sound of the previews came through his speakers.

“I am.”

“I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect to get mauled like that out there. I guess we should have seen it coming.”

Sidney scooted closer to him. “Me neither, but it’s okay. I just want to have a good night with you. Nothing else matters.”

He put his arm around her so she was tucked right against him. Nothing ever mattered as much as she did.

…

Sidney cuddled with Kade through the whole first movie. Every once in a while he would lean down and kiss the top of her head. His hand stroked the skin of her shoulder, always moving and tickling.

It felt incredible, just being with him. The scenes earlier had taken her a little off guard; she wasn’t sure why. Kade was right—they should have expected it, but the questions about her career hit all her insecurity buttons. She’d refused to let them bother her, though. That wasn’t what this night was about. She just wanted to have fun with Kade.

As the second movie started to play, Kade leaned down to kiss her head again. This time she leaned backward and looked up so he could kiss her lips. The first one was slow, gentle, his tongue dipping into her mouth with perfect precision.

“Want to make-out like teenagers?” she teased.

Kade’s answer was anything but playful. “Abso-fucking-lutely.” His voice was smooth, yet somehow husky. This time he kissed her deeply, as though he couldn’t get enough of her. It was like they were matches sparking off each other before flaring into a flame.

She loved the way his mouth felt. Her breasts tingled as she pressed firmly against the hard angles of his chest. He reached up, pushing a hand through his hair the way he always did with her.

Kade’s mouth moved down her neck, kissing and sucking on the tender skin there. His tongue traced her collarbone, behind her ear. “Christ, I’ll never get tired of the taste of your skin, Peaches. Or the way you feel.”

Never?
Pleasure shot through her. She shivered as his hand went up her shirt and cupped her breast. His thumb traced her pebbled bud at the tip.

“Please, Kade…please.” She didn’t know what she was begging for, but she needed something. More.

“Whatever you want, sweetheart. Anything.” He nipped at her ear.

In this moment, she wished she could have everything from him—which was all the more reason that she wouldn’t take it.

“Let’s slow down.” Her body urged her not to put on the brakes, but thankfully, her head took control.

Kade gave her one more kiss on the lips. She felt terrible about stopping them, but when she opened her mouth to apologize, he silenced her. “My stubborn little Peaches. I always did like that about you.”

She should have known better. Kade would never expect her to express regret over something like that. He always accepted her the way she was.

…

It was the day of Lucky’s soft opening. Kade had only given out invitations to a few people in Shamrock Falls. He wanted to get a feel for how everything worked before he opened for real. He already found a few bugs he had to fix.

Rowan worked behind the counter at the bar, mixing a couple of drinks. All in all there were about twenty, maybe twenty-five people here, all laughing and having a good time. A few people were at the lanes, bowling, but the majority congregated at the bar.

It was the best Kade had ever felt. He’d done it. Brought this old place back to life. Gave something to the community that raised him.

He watched as Sidney, sitting on a barstool, dropped her head back and laughed at something Freckles said. Watched her long slender neck, which he felt the urge to lean forward and kiss. It was one of his favorite spots to lick and tease because it drove her wild.